“A walk in nature walks the soul back home,” said Mary Davis, and we can’t word it any better even if we tried!
The social and social-media chaos can chip away at our souls every day. If your 9-to-5 has been looking more like 7-to-10 lately, if your life has unfolded busily, and if you hear phantom dings of your phone’s notification alert even in your sleep, these are all signs that you need a refreshing trip to connect with nature and yes- with yourself!
With social media, podcasts, and media, we are bombarded with many bits of information and stimulation every day, and it’s a very natural pendulum sway to want to find a recluse in nature and recharge. This retreat from the chaos and hustle culture is not merely an act of indulgence but love towards yourself as you pour back into your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Disconnecting from the chaos and reconnecting with ourselves and nature is not an escape; it’s a return to our fundamental- a walk back “home,” as Mary says! In a world without space for original thought to float by leisurely or to look within, these getaways are like a welcome spring breeze!
Carving out time for this in your next travel endeavor can be life-giving and equip you with the resilience and clarity required to navigate life’s challenges with purpose and grace.
Take a Nature Walk
What better way to connect with nature than to take a scenic walk in nature?
Explore the local parks, take the scenic trails, or spend time in a nature reserve. Walking amidst nature can be quite a calming and grounding experience.
It miraculously quiets down the chaos of the mind and makes us feel closer to nature’s wonders around us.
Practice Mindful Observation
When was the last time you sat down and just observed your surroundings?
Find a quiet spot, sit down, and observe your surroundings mindfully to connect with nature. Whether it is the sunlight streaming in from the windows, the smell of fresh coffee, or the faint chirping of the birds, pay attention to the sounds, smells, and textures around you.
Stargazing
If you’re in an area with little light pollution, look up at the night sky and watch the gorgeous diamond stars.
Stargazing can be a humbling and awe-inspiring experience and lets us feel a sense of wonder about the beautiful world we live in. So the next time you are away from the city lights, look up!
Picnic in Nature
Don’t we all want to frolic in flowered meadows, lay on the grass, watch the clouds pass, and spend our days picnicking, or is it just me?
Pack a simple meal, snacks, drinks, and a book, and head out to explore the scenic outdoors. Whether it’s a beach, park, or forest, picnicking outdoors can be an incredible sensory experience as your vibes connect with nature.
Journaling
Being in an unfamiliar and visually new space can put you in a reflective mood. Carry a journal and pen wherever you go and document your thoughts and feelings as they pass.
Reflecting on your thoughts can help you reconnect with yourself, and you may discover something new about yourself.
Connect With Nature – Learn About Local Flora and Fauna
Educate yourself about the local plants and animals, as knowing more about the ecosystem boosts your appreciation for the natural environment.
Whether birdwatching, collecting leaves from your walks, or even appreciating the local flowers, it can be an enriching experience as you explore and connect with nature.
Morning Yoga or Meditation
As you slowly wake up to the world in a new place, engaging your body and mind in yoga and meditation can leave you feeling clear and centered for the day ahead.
This can be as simple as finding a quiet spot by the beach or with a snow-capped mountain range as your view to practice mindfulness. Listen to the symphony of nature around you, whether birdsong, bubbling water, or rustling leaves, and allow the sounds to guide your meditation.
Photography Excursion
Document your surroundings through your camera’s lens, and it will instantly open up the beauty to you. This encourages you to notice the details, appreciate the landscape, and take it all home in gorgeous photo squares!
Whether it is roadside wildflowers or the gorgeous mountain ranges, photography lets you capture the wonder of nature in a very tangible way.
Disconnect from Technology
If you want your trip to be incredibly stimulating and want to connect with yourself, first disconnect from technology. If there is an excellent time to switch off your phone and take in your surroundings instead, it is this!
While your phone can be essential, pencil out a few hours a day when you can switch off your devices and be present. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Why do we Escape into Nature?
While connections and networking are essential, the most important relationships you can ever foster are the ones with nature and yourself. Being around nature can be healing and therapeutic, soothing the white noise of this world’s break-neck cadence.
It opens your eyes to what is important and can help you know yourself, your beliefs, and your true calling. While nature is imperative to our existence, our modern lifestyle only offers a few opportunities to be around nature.
Traveling is one of the only ways one is forced to pause and watch the tapestry of nature painted around us. Don’t let this opportunity go in vain. I promise you will come back renewed and whole!